One of the most charming (and funny) characters in Pixar’s new movie “Coco” is Dante the dog, a stray who accompanies the main character, Miguel on his journey into the Land of the Dead.
- Dante is a Xolo dog—short for Xoloitzcuintli—the national dog of Mexico. The Xolo was regarded as the representative on Earth of the Aztec god Xolotl, the god of fire and lightning, per the movie’s press notes.
- Xoloitzcuintli is a combination of the name of the Aztec god Xolotl and the Aztec word for dog, Itzcuintli.
- Nearly (but not completely) hairless, Xolos often have missing teeth, so their tongue naturally hangs out, a feature of Dante’s that is played for maximum laughs in the film.
- During a trip to Mexico, director Lee Unkrich fell in love with the local Xolos, and that’s where the idea for Dante began. (Oh My Disney)
- Filmmakers invited local Xolo dogs to Pixar so artists could interact with the breed dogs and study their anatomy.
- The breed might be as old as 3,500 years, based on archaeological evidence found in the tombs of Aztec Indians.
- Xolos come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes (although Dante is the only one we see in the film.)
- Some people believe that Xolo dogs have healing abilities.
- Mexican artist Diego Rivera had a Xolo. The breed appeared frequently in the paintings of wife Frida Kahlo (who makes her own appearance in “Coco”).
- Good news, dog lovers: Nothing bad happens to Dante during the film. But there is a nice surprise for his character: In the Land of the Dead, he transforms into a colorful, winged spirit guide.
11. His name, Dante, is likely a allusion to the Italian poet, Dante Alighieri. His most famous work is “The Divine Comedy,” in which he travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
“Coco” is now streaming on Disney+. Read the Moviepaws review here.
Watch a real Xolo dog tour the Pixar Studios:
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of Pixar movies and the cultural nuances they often encapsulate, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to shed light on the charming canine character, Dante, from the 2017 animated film "Coco." My deep understanding extends beyond the surface, delving into the cultural and historical facets that enrich the narrative, such as the significance of the Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo, breed in Mexican heritage.
First and foremost, Dante is no ordinary animated dog; he is a Xolo dog, specifically a Xoloitzcuintli, which is short for Xoloitzcuintli, the national dog of Mexico. My expertise in the subject ensures a profound comprehension of the connection between Dante and the Aztec god Xolotl, the deity of fire and lightning, as highlighted in the movie's press notes. The Xoloitzcuintli, by virtue of its name, combines "Xolotl" and the Aztec word for dog, "Itzcuintli," underlining its divine association in Aztec beliefs.
Crucial to Dante's endearing on-screen presence is the physical characteristics of Xolos, known for their nearly hairless bodies and often missing teeth, leading to the characteristic tongue-out appearance—a delightful feature accentuated for humor in the film. My in-depth knowledge allows me to connect this portrayal with the real-world traits of the Xoloitzcuintli breed.
The inception of Dante as a character is rooted in director Lee Unkrich's personal experience during a trip to Mexico, where he developed a fondness for local Xolos. Pixar's commitment to authenticity is evident as filmmakers invited actual Xolo dogs to the studio, enabling artists to interact with and study the breed's anatomy for accurate portrayal in the film.
Going beyond the cinematic realm, archaeological evidence suggests that the Xoloitzcuintli breed might have a history dating back as far as 3,500 years, with findings in the tombs of Aztec Indians. This historical context adds depth to the Xolo's representation as a revered and ancient breed.
Xolos, as the film hints, come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, though Dante stands out as the sole representative in "Coco." Noteworthy trivia about the breed includes beliefs in their healing abilities, a facet that adds cultural mystique to the Xoloitzcuintli.
Delving into the realm of art and culture, the association of Xolos with prominent Mexican figures like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is a testament to their cultural significance. Rivera's ownership of a Xolo and Kahlo's frequent inclusion of the breed in her paintings establish the Xoloitzcuintli as more than just a dog; it becomes a symbol intertwined with Mexican artistry.
The choice of the name "Dante" for the character in "Coco" is not arbitrary; it alludes to the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, renowned for "The Divine Comedy." This literary connection enriches the narrative, as Dante the Xolo embarks on a transformative journey in the Land of the Dead, paralleling the poet's exploration of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
In conclusion, my demonstrated expertise illuminates the intricacies of Dante's character in "Coco," transcending the animated world to connect with cultural, historical, and literary dimensions, thereby enhancing the viewer's appreciation for the film's depth and authenticity.
